What Should I Buy First for the Baby?

Updated December 3, 2025 by Jan of Unique Baby Gear Ideas

I remember thinking "what should I buy first for the baby" when I was preparing for my firstborn.   I recall standing in the middle of a store feeling completely overwhelmed by all the gadgets and gear. If you’re wondering what newborn essentials you should buy first;  you’re not alone. The truth is, you only need a few necessities to feel ready for those first days at home, and starting simple can make everything feel so much more manageable.

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A clean, safe newborn sleep setup is the first essential I recommend.

After years of helping new parents and setting up my own nursery spaces, I’ve learned that buying the first few baby essentials early brings such a sense of relief. You don’t need a long checklist at this stage—just the items that help you feed, change, and settle your newborn safely and comfortably in those first days at home.

As you start preparing for your baby’s arrival, it helps to focus on a small handful of essentials first. Whether you’re decorating the nursery or deciding when to buy furniture, the early weeks go more smoothly when the most important newborn items are already in place. I’ve been through this stage mh2any times while helping new moms, and gathering the basics ahead of time always brings comfort and confidence.

Many parents tell me they ask themselves “what should I buy first for the baby?” long before the nursery is decorated. I always reassure them that starting with the smallest daily-use items builds confidence quickly. Even adding a few newborn sleepers to a dresser drawer or placing a fresh pack of diapers near the bassinet makes the room feel more prepared and welcoming.

You don’t need a huge checklist or every gadget on the market. The goal is simply to have what helps you feed, change, dress, and safely settle your newborn during those first quiet days at home. Once these foundational items are ready, everything else can happen at your own pace. (Scroll cue: we’re just getting started.)

What Should I Buy First for the Baby — The Essential Newborn Starter List

When parents ask me what they should buy first for the baby, I always begin with the same core newborn essentials. These first items cover safety, feeding, sleep, diapering, and basic comfort. A few thoughtful choices make a bigger difference than a cart full of trendy extras.

1. A Safe Newborn Sleep Space

Your baby’s main job in the early weeks is sleeping, which makes a safe sleep setup the most important place to begin. Whether you choose a crib, a portable bassinet, or a cradle, look for a sturdy frame and a firm mattress that fits snugly. I talk more about crib setup and safety in my guide on assembling a baby crib correctly, which has helped so many parents feel more confident.

Many families also explore gently used cribs, and if that’s something you’re considering, my page on whether a used baby crib is safe explains what to check before bringing one home.

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A clean, safe newborn sleep setup is the first essential I recommend.

In my own nursery, I always start with the sleep area because it anchors the rest of the room. Once the crib or bassinet is ready, everything else begins to fall into place around it. If you need inspiration for theme ideas, the pages on nursery themes and popular nursery ideas offer color palettes and décor directions to help you imagine your space.

2. Diapers, Wipes, and Diapering Basics

Whether you choose disposable or cloth diapers, having at least a small starter supply ensures you’re prepared from day one. Add fragrance-free wipes and a gentle diaper cream, and you’ll be ready for nearly any newborn mess. A foldable changing pad is especially helpful for couch, floor, or travel moments when walking to the nursery isn’t convenient.

If you’re building your nursery layout at the same time, a diapering station works beautifully paired with the storage ideas on my nursery furniture page.

3. Newborn Clothing Essentials

It’s tempting to buy outfits in every color, but in the early weeks, comfort and simplicity matter more than quantity. Start with several soft onesies, footed sleepers, and a couple of warm swaddle blankets. If you’re expecting winter weather, a cozy wearable blanket or sleep sack is worth adding early.

My favorite newborn tip is to choose zip-front sleepers over the snap versions. In the middle of the night, a zipper feels like magic.

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A few soft, easy newborn outfits are all you need to start.

If you’re still unsure about what should I buy first for the baby, I’ve found that beginning with the things you’ll reach for most often—like soft sleepers, burp cloths, and a safe newborn sleep space—creates a calm foundation you can build on at your own pace.

4. Bottles, Burp Cloths, and Feeding Basics

Whether you plan to breastfeed, pump, or use formula, having a few bottles and simple feeding supplies ahead of time removes a lot of stress. Add soft burp cloths (you’ll use more than you think) and a comfortable feeding pillow, especially if you’ll be sitting up during night feedings.

If you’re preparing the nursery feeding area, the ideas on nursery lighting help you create gentle, cozy light that won’t wake your baby fully during late-night feeds.

5. Baby Bathing and Comfort Items

Newborns need only the simplest bath setup: a soft baby towel, a fragrance-free wash, and a supportive baby bath seat. For comfort, keep a pair of nail clippers, a soft brush, and a baby-safe thermometer nearby. I’ve often found that keeping these items in a small basket makes bath time feel more relaxed and predictable.

6. One Helpful Parent Tip

One of my favorite micro-moments in early motherhood was realizing how much smoother my days felt when everything had its own place. Even something as simple as setting diapers beside the bassinet and keeping a clean onesie ready made me feel more prepared and peaceful. (Engagement extender: what’s one tiny thing you’ve already done to get ready?)

7. When to Add Bigger Baby Purchases

Larger items like strollers, swings, or nursery décor can wait until you’re ready. If you enjoy planning early, the seasonal inspiration on my fall nursery ideas and shabby chic nursery pages may help you explore different styles before purchasing the big pieces.

And if you’re unsure about furniture timing, you’ll find helpful details in my full Q&A guide on when to start decorating the nursery.

8. Expert Resource for New Parents

For a trustworthy newborn care overview, the Mayo Clinic’s newborn care guide offers excellent fundamentals without overwhelming you.

If you follow these steps and gather these early newborn essentials, you’ll feel far more prepared—and more importantly, more relaxed—when your baby finally arrives. Once these first items are ready, you can add to your nursery and baby gear collection at your own pace. You and your little one will grow into your space together.

Hi, I’m Jan — the creator of Unique Baby Gear Ideas. I love helping expecting parents discover nursery décor inspiration and creative photo shoot ideas that make every stage of pregnancy feel beautiful.

Over the years, I’ve helped thousands of parents choose safe, stylish nursery furniture through hands-on reviews and real-world testing.

The suggestions I share here come from years of hands-on experience styling nurseries, reviewing maternity gowns, and learning what makes each photo session shine.

All articles and images on Unique Baby Gear Ideas are personally reviewed and edited by Jan Bay. Modern creative tools may assist with design or drafting, but every final page reflects my own voice, experience, and editorial judgment.